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Good morning, and welcome to the FCC. Thank you for giving up your Friday to participate in today’s workshop.

Last year’s hurricane season was one of the most devastating in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of innocent Americans caught in the path of these storms suffered terrible losses. Although the storms have passed, rebuilding continues. Many communities are still struggling to gain a semblance of normality— hoping to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, all as they look over their shoulders, bracing for this year’s hurricane season.

Over the past eight months, I’ve traveled throughout communities devastated by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Just last month, I was in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Puerto Rico, I visited Utuado with Sandra Torres, the head of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board, and Commissioner Alexandra Fernandez—each of whom is here this morning. Together, we heard firsthand the nightmare of having communications cut off in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, just at the moment when getting information and asking for help was of paramount importance. The people of Utuado stepped up and cleared the roads to get the repair trucks in so they could once again be connected with the rest of the world.

Stories from places like Utuado illustrate why today’s workshop is so important. The ability to communicate information is critical during emergencies—it’s what helps us warn communities, dispatch assistance, and more. Today’s workshop will look at how first responders from all levels of government can better coordinate and use emergency information to help all Americans in times of disaster. We hope you’ll help us understand better how information-sharing during natural disasters and other emergencies could improve emergency response.

As you’re already aware, we released a Public Notice in December asking for your input on how the FCC performed during the 2017 Hurricane Season. We received some very thought-provoking and helpful insights. During this workshop, we hope to have a candid discussion about what information the Commission could or should provide to help improve disaster response and recovery efforts. Simply put, there’s no better way for us to understand your needs than to directly ask you.

We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so I’m going to yield the floor to the public safety experts. But before I do, I’d like to thank our outstanding team in our Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, not just for organizing today’s forum but for the superb job they’ve done to help keep Americans connected and safe.

And special thanks to you, our guests, for making our communities safer. I’m genuinely touched by the heroism exhibited by our emergency professionals and first responders, and by the indominable spirit of residents in affected communities in times of crisis.

Regardless of how bad or difficult things get, one thing’s for sure: Americans come together when it’s needed most. I feel it’s equally important that the FCC do everything within its power to aid our emergency professionals and to keep our communities safe. This workshop is just the latest step the Commission is taking in to achieve that goal.

Recent Articles

(March 18, 2019) - - Today, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) published the following information:

Washington D.C. – The second part of the White House 2020 budget proposal released today reaffirms the administration’s persistent, sprawling agenda to denigrate federal employees, shrink their paychecks and pensions... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 20, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson reported that Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino provided the following information:... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House provided the following transcript of Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure:

South Lawn12:25 P.M. EDT

Q Do you know when the Mueller report will be released, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: I have no idea. No collusion. No collusion. I have no idea when it’s going to be released. It’s interesting that a man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report. You know — never figured that one out. A man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report.

I had the greatest electoral victory — one of them — in the history of our country. Tremendous success. Tens of millions of voters. And now somebody is going to write a report who never got a vote.

So we’ll see what the report says. Let’s see if it’s fair. I have no idea when... read more

(March 19, 2019) - - Today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l published the following:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement after the White House announced today its intent to nominate Captain Steve Dickson as administrator of the Federal... read more

Washington, DC- - (March 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information

The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers today that it’s not too late to contribute to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) and still claim it on a 2018 tax return. Anyone with a traditional IRA may be eligible for a tax credit or... read more

En Route to Shannon, Ireland - - (March 18, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State provided the following transcript of U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo's remarks with the traveling press en route to Ireland:

SECRETARY POMPEO: Let me just say a couple things, and then happy to take a few questions. Had a great visit; it was fun to go back home. I think it really set up what we’ll do on the 4th and 5th in the Netherlands to be a very successful event for any American entrepreneurs and for American businesses, and I think it was a good message, and so it was a – that was a fun day.

(March 18, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the following information:

A New DHS for a New Age

On March 18, Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen delivered the 2019 State of Homeland Security Address, hosted by the Auburn University McCray Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security and George Washington University.

Washington, DC - - (March 16, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson reported that Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino provided the following information:... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House published the following Remarks by President Trump on the National Security and Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border:

Oval Office

3:29 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Earlier today, I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror attacks at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing. You’ve all been seeing what went on. It’s a horrible, horrible thing. I told the Prime Minister that the United States is with them all the way, a hundred percent. Whatever they need, we will be there. New Zealand has been a great friend and partner for many years. Our relationship has never been better. And what they’re going through is absolutely terrible.

So our hearts are with them, and whatever we can do.

We’re grateful to be joined today by the Vice President — thank you very much, Mike, for being here — members of my Cabinet, devoted public servants, and Angel parents — very important people to me and to a lot of other people. I want to thank you all for being here. Thank you so much for being here, and we appreciate it. Thank you. You’ve gone through a lot. As we take action to restore our national sovereignty and defend this nation from criminal cartels, human traffickers, and drug smugglers. Crime of all kinds coming through our southern border and other places. But this is the place. This is the place. We have the biggest problem by far.

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information:

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today released Treasury International Capital (TIC) data for January 2019. The next release, which will report on data for February 2019, is scheduled for April 15, 2019.... read more

Congressional candidates running in 2017 and 2018 collected $2.8 billion and disbursed $2.7 billion, political parties received $1.6 billion and spent $1.5 billion, and political action committees (PACs) raised $4.7 billion and spent $4.6 billion during the 2017-2018 cycle, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission that cover financial activity from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. Presidential candidates seeking office in 2020 raised $75.3 million and spent $63.1 million during this 24-month period. Disbursements for independent expenditures reported in this period totaled $1.3 billion. Electioneering Communications added up to $15.3 million and communication costs reported to the Commission totaled $10.8 million.

Activity from Jan. 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018
(figures in millions)

Filers

Receipts

Disbursements

2020 Presidential Candidates

$75.3

$63.1

2018 Congressional Candidates

$2,774.0

$2,718.3

Party Committees

$1,555.2

$1,501.8

PACs

$4,674.2

$4,554.1

Communications Filings

Total

Independent Expenditures

$1,301.0

Electioneering Communications

$15.3

Communication Costs

$10.8

This summary of campaign activity in the 2017-2018 cycle provides a benchmark for comparison with the same reporting period in previous cycles. Supporting data tables are linked at the end of each summary section below.

I. Presidential Candidates

As of December 31, 2018, 51 individuals had filed campaign finance reports disclosing financial activity in connection with the 2020 presidential election. These candidates reported raising $75.3 million and spending $63.1 million from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. Their combined cash-on-hand was $19.9 million, while their combined debt was $7.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

Data summary tables for reports submitted to the Commission through December 31, 2018 by 2020 presidential candidate committees can be found here.

II. Congressional Candidates

United States House and Senate candidates running in the 2018 cycle reported raising a total of $2.8 billion and spending $2.7 billion between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Candidates for the two chambers reported combined total debts of $84.1 million and combined total cash-on-hand of $377.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

The following table summarizes campaign finance activity of House and Senate candidates through December 31 of election years since the 2007-2008 election cycle.
custom_table

Washington, DC - - (March 8, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

The Internal Revenue Service wants business owners and the self-employed to know that a publication on IRS.gov has information they can use to learn which recent tax-law changes impact their bottom line.

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State published the following Special Briefing (in the Press Briefing Room) with Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams:

MR PALLADINO: Welcome back. It’s Friday and we have with us Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams. Thank you for joining us again. Please.

MR ABRAMS: You’re very welcome. I’m going to start taking attendance and see how much interest there is here. (Laughter.)

A few things to start with. The diplomatic staff from Embassy Caracas arrived at Dulles Airport just after 11 o’clock last night, and they will be meeting the Secretary at 2:30 this afternoon. They will in essence continue their mission from other locations – from the State Department for the most part – to try to support the Venezuelan people as they struggle to return Venezuela to democracy.

Just a – on consular services, I think we’ve said this before, but some time ago – actually a month ago – we said that non-immigrant visas would be handled in Bogota; immigrant – excuse me, immigrant visas would be handled in Bogota for Venezuelans; non-immigrant visas can be applied for wherever the individual is, at any embassy or consulate around the world.... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information:

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six Russian individuals and eight entities in response to Russia’s continued and ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Today’s action targets individuals and entities playing a role in Russia’s unjustified attacks on... read more

(February 14, 2019) - - Today, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health made public the following information:

Beginning in April 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will offer a series of free, confidential health screenings to coal miners as part of the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP).... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State published the following, Remarks to the Press, made in the Press Briefing Room by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo:

SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Today I’d like to make brief remarks on two foreign policy issues. But first, I want to offer my personal condolences to the nation of New Zealand in the wake of the grotesque mosque attacks in Christchurch. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and their families today. The United States condemns this hateful assault. We pledge our unwavering solidarity with the government... read more

(March 13, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Justice published the following information:

Statement of Office of Information Policy Director Melanie Ann Pustay Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform

Washington, DC
~ Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Good morning, Chairman Cummings, Ranking Member Jordan, and Members of the Committee. I am pleased to be here today to discuss the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to encourage agency compliance... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House provided the following transcript of Remarks by President Trump in Briefing on Drug Trafficking on the Southern Border:

Roosevelt Room2:27 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much for being here. I know that you’ve all been following the terrible tragedy of the Ethiopian Airlines crash this weekend. Tragic. The FAA is prepared to make a announcement very shortly regarding the new information and physical evidence that we’ve received from the site and from other locations, and through a couple of other complaints.

We’ve had a very, very detailed group of people working on the 737-8 and the 737-9 — new airplanes. We’re going to be issuing an emergency order of prohibition to ground all flights of the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9, and planes associated with that line.

I’ve spoken to Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation; Dan Elwell, Acting Administrator of the FAA; and to Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing, and they’ll be available shortly after our conference today. They are all in agreement with the action.

Any plane currently in the air will go to its destination and thereafter be grounded until further notice. So planes that are in the air will be grounded — if they’re the 737 MAX — will be grounded upon landing at the destination. Pilots have been notified. Airlines have been all notified. Airlines are agreeing with this. The safety of the American people and all people is our paramount concern.

Our hearts go out to all of those who lost loved ones, to their friends, to their families, in both the Ethiopian and Lion Airlines crashes that involved the 737 MAX aircraft. It’s a terrible,... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 14, 2019) - - The U.S. Department of State's Offce of the Spokesperson published (today) the following information:

Today at the at the Third Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region,” the United States announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as part of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan for 2019-2020. This brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to the Syria crisis to more than $9.5 billion since the start of the crisis and reflects the steadfast commitment of the United States to providing lifesaving support to the people of Syria impacted by conflict both inside Syria and throughout the region. The U.S. appreciates all donors who have stepped up and continues to encourage both traditional and new donors to help meet growing needs

With this new funding to UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, non-governmental organizations,... read more

“The announcement of this middle list shows that we are committed to the important missions of these agencies and transparency in our selection process. USDA will make the best choice for our employees and customers,” Perdue said. “Relocation will help ensure that USDA is the most effective, most efficient, and most customer-focused agency in the federal government, allowing us to be closer to our stakeholders and move our resources closer to our customers.”

For this initial down-select, USDA applied a set of guiding principles against the Expressions of Interest locations including USDA travel requirements, labor force statistics, work hours most compatible with all USDA office schedules. Sixty-seven Expressions of Interest remain under consideration.

The complete list of Expressions of Interest still under consideration is below.

State

Location

Applicant(s)

AL

Birmingham

City of Birmingham; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Auburn University; Tuskegee University; Alabama A&M University; Economic Development Association of Alabama

AL

Shelby County

City of Hoover, Shelby County, 58 INC. – The Nonprofit Economic Coalition of Shelby County, the Birmingham Business Alliance, Alabama Power Company, Harbert Realty Services, and Select Income REIT / RMR Group